Surviving in Blue Archive Chapter 431 5: It's All Your Fault! Rikuhachima Aru!

Since I arrived in Kivotos, several months had already passed.

For a period of no long duration nor quite short, more than twenty students had been conquered by my cheat system.

From an ordinary perspective, this astonishing number might have made seem like a charming playboy who toyed with emotions. But I knew the truth, that was far from reality.

If anything, this was the result of my restraint, a conscious effort not to deceive anyone's feelings.

The reason I was able to win the hearts of so many girls, each with their own style, was mainly thanks to my outstanding personal charm.

As for technique… honestly, I think it's fair to say I'm simply sincere with people.

Really, what I needed to do next was just to open my heart like any other guy would do. Even though I had so lingering concerns about the outco, as long as I sincerely showed my feelings, Mutsuki, who already knew well and cared for , couldn't possibly be disappointed.

At most, it would only delay the mont I successfully "conquered" her by a little.

Aru was easier, her ambitious nature ant she wouldn't sweat the details. I also hoped her bond with could prove useful at a critical mont in the future.

After so consideration, I spoke:

"I undoubtedly like both of you."

My blunt confession made Aru's face flush red instantly, while even the prepared Mutsuki looked slightly taken aback.

Perhaps Aru's ability really did have so effect…? That was only my guess, needing further verification.

But soon, Mutsuki collected herself, speaking with slight dissatisfaction:

"I already knew that∼ Who could not like the adorable Mutsuki-chan? So, Sensei, what about the rest?"

"Wait!? Why does it feel like you just skipped over again!?"

"Co on∼ Aru-chan is really cute too, loved by everyone∼"

"Hey! Are you treating like a child to make feel better!?"

Taking advantage of this friendly bickering between the two childhood friends, I briefly recovered so stamina and continued:

"Let's start with Aru. Your ambition is truly admirable. Especially when you describe your vision of the future, those eyes full of hope and your radiant smile are permanently etched in my mind.

"Although you often face setbacks and accidents, every ti you fall, you recover quickly and move steadily toward your dreams. Your persistence and strength also win my heart.

"And most importantly… even while longing for success, you still uphold your principles. Perhaps you won't admit it, but your pure kindness shines like gold to ."

"Eh?" Aru flailed her hands in protest, "Se-Sensei, what are you saying! I want to beco a ruthless underworld boss, an Outlaw! Kind… kindness… that's not it!"

In truth, what she liked were only the "tough, cool, and morally steadfast" aspects of the underworld, the sa parts recomnded in the yakuza films Pina suggested.

The rest was rely sothing she accepted as part of the role.

She talked about being an outlaw and even motivated herself with her "one evil a day" rule, but really, since her debut, how many truly evil acts had she committed?

Thinking back, when she was hired by the Kaiser Group to target Abydos, after learning the truth, she casually abandoned the mission to help the Foreclosure Task Force. Part of that might have been my charm, but mostly it ca from her simple sense of justice.

From another angle, judged by the standards of a Gehenna student, she was practically too obedient, pure, and kind…

And the genius idea of photocopying a leave slip? aning Aru didn't even skip class, she politely asked for leave!

"Ku fufu∼ Aru-chan looks so cute when she's exposed∼"

Beside her, Mutsuki smirked: "Sensei is right∼ Aru-chan really is such a cute girl. By the way, did you know? When Haruka-chan was bullied by bad students, Aru-chan was the one who stood up to help her! That's why they're so close."

Although I didn't know all the details, I had heard a bit from Haruka, and mimicking her tone, I said:

"As expected of Aru-sama!"

"N-No, it's not like that… you two really…"

Aru's face alternated between red and white, mixing delight at the praise with embarrassnt at the manner of complinting her—a particularly amusing expression.

I smiled and said:

"So, I really like you, Aru."

"…Oh."

Aru nodded slightly, face flushed, secretly delighted.

"So, Sensei," Mutsuki prompted, "is it finally my turn?"

I nodded:

"You've always quietly supported Aru's efforts. That's impressive, Mutsuki."

"Hmph? That's just because being with everyone makes everything fun. Eh∼ so boring. Is that all you have to say? No complints from other angles?" Mutsuki looked at expectantly.

"Of course not." I paused, then changed tone:

"Mutsuki, I want to apologize first. Sotis… I think you're a little troubleso."

Suddenly, the silver-haired girl's pupils shrank, and her usually confident, knowing smile froze.

"Se-Sensei…" Aru noticed the shift, looked at Mutsuki and then at , hesitating: "Does that an… a bit…"

I ignored her for now and continued:

"But that's also your fault, Mutsuki, right? You always play tricks… I know it's your way of showing closeness, and you consider timing and place, but cheating secretly during gas… it's still a bit troubleso."

"What? So Mutsuki normally cheats? That's why I keep losing?"

Aru's face was full of shock, disbelief. It was as if a new world had slowly opened before her eyes.

I found it even more surprising that she had only just discovered this.

"…Uh," Mutsuki said, her usual teasing gone, replaced by unusual caution, "Did I… go too far… and make Sensei mad…?"

My words genuinely startled her.

Though I felt so guilt, it was because Mutsuki demanded honesty. Besides, only by being this direct could I hope to breach the little devil's defenses.

Under her nervous gaze, I said seriously:

"Perhaps a little. But precisely because of that, being with you is so interesting, I think that's how it is."

Hearing this, Mutsuki first exhaled in relief, then blinked in surprise.

"You think being with is more fun than usual? Actually, I feel the sa way."

I added:

"Even if sotis I get a bit annoyed, as long as I'm with you, it's never boring. Because besides your pranks, you also try to make happy... that's true, isn't it?"

She didn't reply. In monts like this, silence says it all.

Mutsuki is mischievous, enjoys playing tricks, but that doesn't an she doesn't care about my feelings.

"So, I also really like you, Mutsuki."

I took a deep breath and, using my ability, concluded:

"I like both of you, just as you like . If possible… no, even if it's impossible, I will never give up on either of you."

These were my true feelings, my heart lay bare.

Even if it broke the laws of Kivotos, I would strive to make things the way I hoped. Though, in fact, no law here even addressed this.

Being an adult yet holding such self-centered thoughts might seem reckless, even insane. But so what?

Perhaps the mont I ca to this city that defied my remaining common sense, I was already hopelessly lost.

After a brief pause, Aru looked at anxiously:

"Th-That… we're still talking about the ga… right?"

I turned and asked:

"What would you like it to be?"

The red-haired girl's gaze flickered, fingers playing with her hair, stamring.

If I said yes, she might feel reassured; if I said no, she'd be happy.

Either way… this was already enough.

Just as I thought this, I was suddenly pushed from the side I hadn't been paying attention to.

By the ti I landed on the sofa, a small shadow had landed atop , and a startled voice called out:

"Mutsuki? What are you doing?"

Suddenly pushed down, with Mutsuki straddling my waist, her purple eyes gleaming strangely, she licked her lips and let out a low laugh:

"Ku fufu∼ Sensei, I almost tricked Aru-chan. But then she said such cute things… what should I do…"

Mutsuki pretended to ponder, then a sly smile spread across her face:

"Since Sensei likes too, doesn't that an I don't have to hold back anymore?"

…Still a prank… right?

I wasn't sure; the situation was a little beyond my expectations.

Mutsuki traced half a circle on my chest with her slender finger, when Aru, blushing, ca up to pull her back:

"M-Mutsuki, going this far… isn't good, right? It'll trouble Sensei…"

"Y-Yeah, this is still not good, right?" I said sincerely, using Aru's ability.

The issue wasn't that I didn't want to, it was that it might still be too soon for Aru.

However, Mutsuki's breathing grew heavier:

"Ah… it's happening again, this frustrating feeling… Sensei, it's all your fault for saying sothing that makes everything feel… wrong!"

Before I could respond, the little devil literally blocked my mouth.

"Yah—!"

I tried to glance at Aru, who scread, but she covered her eyes, fingers spread wide. Co on, help !

Using my calming ability to regain focus, I recalled Mutsuki's earlier strange words.

Co to think of it… the na of Aru's ability…

If I rembered correctly, the character for "yoke" implies restraint or control.

So the true aning of "Yoke-Free" must be…

Out of control…?

Credit Card!?

Which reading of "persuasion" is that!?

But Aru seed unaffected, perhaps because Mutsuki already had similar thoughts? So the real effect of this ability might actually be… incitent?

Aru! It's all your fault!

After a long while, Mutsuki finally reluctantly got off . I caught my breath, about to speak, when I froze.

"W-Wait," Aru anxiously blocked Mutsuki, timidly saying, "We… are we really going to continue…?"

Mutsuki, having just removed a black silk garnt and thoughtfully tossed it onto , glanced at her childhood friend:

"The atmosphere is already set. If we don't go further, we'll never catch up. Other students have done this before, right, Sensei?"

I t Aru's shocked gaze calmly, but soon looked away, flustered.

"Sensei!? Why aren't you saying anything!?"

"So, Aru-chan, are you joining in?" Mutsuki asked teasingly. "Sensei already said he likes both of us and will never let go. Aru-chan, you should realize this isn't just in the ga∼"

"Th-This…"

"Oh my, perhaps sothing this sinful is still too much for a good girl…"

"Hehe… Mutsuki, what are you saying?" Aru interrupted sternly, "Of course, I, the president of Problem Solver 68, can handle this…"

Her voice was already trembling, no need to force it anymore.

"Ku fufu∼"

Mutsuki smiled, eyes half-lidded, tone ambiguous:

"Then, next, let's play an even more interesting ga∼"

Aru forced a smile: "Hehe∼ alright, let's do it∼"

They both ignored my opinion.

Good.

I have no objections.

The three of us continued playing for over an hour, until…

"I'm back…" A black-and-white streaked girl paused, surveying the scene in the office, voice puzzled.

"Ah?"